In the world of interior design, few professionals bring as unique a perspective as Dr. Elyse Bensusan. With a background in psychology and a passion for creating beautiful spaces, Dr. Bensusan has forged a path that seamlessly blends mental well-being with aesthetic appeal. We sat down with her to discuss her fascinating career transition and how her past experiences inform her current work.
Q: Dr. Bensusan, you started your career as a psychologist. What inspired you to make the transition to interior design?
A: It might seem like a big leap, but for me, the transition felt quite natural. As a psychologist, I’ve always been fascinated by how our environment affects our mental state. I found myself increasingly drawn to the idea of creating spaces that could positively impact people’s well-being. Interior design allowed me to merge my understanding of human behavior with my passion for aesthetics.
Q: How does your background in psychology influence your approach to interior design?
A: My psychological training gives me a unique lens through which I view design. I’m not just thinking about how a space looks, but how it feels and how it will impact the people living in it. For example, I’m very attuned to how different colors can affect mood. I might use calming blues and greens in a bedroom to promote relaxation, or energizing yellows in a home office to boost productivity.
Q: Are there any specific skills from your time as a psychologist that you find particularly useful in your design work?
A: Absolutely. The communication and listening skills I developed as a psychologist are invaluable in my design work. Being able to truly hear and understand what a client wants – even when they might struggle to articulate it – is crucial. Empathy is also key. I need to connect with my clients on a deeper level to create spaces that resonate with their emotions and values.
Q: Your career path is quite unique. How do you think this diverse background sets you apart in the design world?
A: I think it allows me to offer a more holistic approach to design. I’m not just creating beautiful spaces; I’m crafting environments that support mental well-being. My background also helps me navigate the emotional aspects of the design process. Changing your living space can be stressful, and I’m equipped to guide clients through that process with sensitivity.
Q: We understand you’ve also started a charity. Can you tell us a bit about that?
A: Yes, through my non-profit, Elysium Gives, we help individuals and families transition from local shelters into more permanent housing. We provide them with basic household needs, new beds, and furniture. It’s a way for me to combine my passion for design with my desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives.
Q: That’s wonderful work. Looking ahead, what’s next for you in the world of interior design?
A: I’m always looking for ways to further integrate psychological principles into design. I’m particularly interested in exploring how we can create spaces that promote mindfulness and reduce stress in our increasingly hectic world. And of course, I’ll continue to grow both my design practice and my charitable work, finding new ways to make beautiful, nurturing spaces accessible to more people.
Dr. Elyse Bensusan splits her time between her home in the Hamptons and her NYC apartment, where she and her fiancé Michael devote much of their time to real estate design and charitable projects. She is the proud mom of two daughters, Ava and Evelyn.
